Biography of Harvey N. Sheldon

Harvey N. Sheldon was born in the town of Brutus, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Sept. 14, 1819. His parents, Ira and Mary
Sheldon, were distantly related, and were natives of Connecticut. They reared a family of six sons. In 1827 the
elder Sheldon died, leaving the care of the family and the management of the farm to Mrs. Sheldon. Harvey remained
at home until he was sixteen years of age, availing himself of such means of education as were afforded by the
ordinary district school of that day. In the spring of 1835 he came to Michigan in company with his eldest brother,
Newton Sheldon, who settled in the town of Lodi, Washtenaw Co., where he became one of its prominent citizens.
Harvey remained with his brother three years, when he returned to the State of New York, where he resided until
he was twenty-one years of age, when he came back to Michigan. In 1841 he came to Castleton, and purchased from
the government the north half of the northwest quarter of section 1; he immediately commenced work upon it, making
his home with A. B. Cooper, Esq., then a resident of the town of Woodland. In the spring following he erected dwelling,
and during the summer returned to the State of New York, where, on the 14th of September, 1842, he was married
to Miss Lydia Miller, of Steuben Co., N. Y. She was born Nov. 22, 1826. In October, 1842, in company with his wife
and two brothers, D. C. and O. B. Sheldon, and their families, he returned to Castleton. His brothers purchased
land, and settled in the immediate vicinity of his home, the former on section 36, in Woodland, where he still
resides, the latter on an adjoining farm on section 1, in Castleton.

The following winter was one of unusual severity; snow fell to a great depth, and Mr. Sheldon and his wife experienced
many hardships and privations, among which
was the loss of their only cow. In the spring Mr. Sheldon was attacked with that disease so dreaded by the early
settlers, the ague, which, in connection with a lame arm, so impaired his health that he was obliged to return
East. After a residence there of one year he so far recovered his health that he came back to his farm, on which
he resided until 1854, at which time he was elected to the office of county treasurer, which position he filled
with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people for twelve successive years. Previous to his election
to this position he had served his fellow townsmen as clerk and treasurer, and for three terms had represented
Castleton on the board of supervisors, where he was appreciated not only for his sound judgment upon all matters
of public interest, but for his sterling integrity.

Upon the expiration of his term of office as county treasurer he removed to the township of Hagar, Berrien Co.,
to engage in fruit growing, an industry to which he gave all his energies and to which he was very much attached.
His reputation as a citizen and an official had preceded him, and soon after his settlement in ilagar he was called
upon to take an active part in public matters. He was elected to the office of treasurer, and for three terms has
been a member of the board of supervisors. In September of 1846 his wife died, leaving three children. In July,
1847, he was married to Miss Almira Wheeler, of Woodland. The better part of the life of Mr. Sheldon has been spent
in Barry County. He saw it developed from a semi-wilderness into one of the productive and important counties of
the State. He identified himself prominently with its growth and prosperity. He perfected an enviable record as
a citizen, and will always be remembered for his ability as an official, his sterling integrity, and his marked
social qualities.

From:
History of Allegan and Berry Counties, Michigan
With Illistrations and Biographical Sketches
of Their Men and Pioneers.
D. W. Ensign & Co., Philadelphia 1880
Press of J. B. Lippincoff & Co., Philadelphia.